Tags: Acting Modeling | Modeling Agencies | Modeling Schools

How necessary are modeling schools? You don't absolutely need to go to a modeling school in order to be a model of course. Modeling is not acting – it's all in your look. Do you really have to go to a school to learn how to look like you already do? Yes and no. You can learn how to pose, dress, walk and apply make-up at modeling schools. You can also get that kind of training from your own test shoots, experience on the job and conversations with your agent

If you do decide to attend one of the better modeling schools, try to talk to former and current students and try to meet the teacher personally or at least check out his or her resume. Some modeling schools accept all applicants regardless of their real chances of making it in the business. Other modeling schools are more selective and will evaluate your talent and looks more honestly. There are even a few modeling schools that will not accept a student unless they believe you have a real shot at success in the business.

Modeling schools are not modeling agencies. Don't confuse the two. An agency makes money by getting you modeling work. A school makes money charging you for classes. There is a bit of a conflict of interest in that arrangement as most modeling schools require students to believe they are unprepared to approach agencies and get jobs without training. Most aspiring models don't know they can actually access agencies on their own without going to modeling schools at all.

Modeling schools are not regulated. There are no laws or standards for the instructions or the instructors and there is no guarantee you will get work if you do attend the school. The people in the industry who actually do hire models and the modeling agencies themselves really don't care if you have been to modeling school or not. However, good modeling schools will help their models find work or a real agency.  When one of their students lands an agency, it makes them look good and helps them sell their classes.

Should you pay hundreds of dollars in the hopes of getting signed by a modeling agency after attending a modeling school? The answer will depend on the particular school you choose to attend and what you want to achieve there.